Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to some of our most frequently asked questions are below. If there's anything else you would like to know, please get in touch.

  • What happens if the weather is bad?

    Unfortunately we cannot predict the weather. If the skipper determines the weather forecast for the weekend is not good enough, we will cancel the trip. If the trip is cancelled by us, you will receive a full refund or given the option to book another date. We get as frustrated as you when the weather is poor, however your safety is our priority. The skipper reviews the weather continuously and, should we need to cancel, you will be contacted no later than 12 hours before your trip is due.

  • What clothes should I wear?

    This is very dependent on what time of year you come out with us and what the weather is like. In summer, you should wear comfortable breathable clothes because if the sun’s out, it can be very warm. Remember to protect yourself from the sun and wear sun cream. 

    In winter you should wear thick, warm, waterproof clothes and bring along things like a woolly hat and gloves.

    And wear something you don’t mind getting a bit mucky! 

  • What are you doing to minimise the spread of COVID-19?

    The current pandemic has affected us all. In line with government guidelines, we have reduced the number of customers on board to 6. We also advise you to follow government guidelines and maintain social distance while on board. Please see our COVID-19 changes page for more detail.

  • Do I have to bring my own bait?

    Some experienced anglers do prefer to bring their own bait and if you do you will be able to use the bait station and all equipment we have. If you are a less experienced angler, bait can be provided and if you ask nicely, Kevin will prepare all your bait for you and put it on the hook. Our main goal is to ensure you have an enjoyable day so if you would like to get your hands dirty and learn how to prepare the bait, Kevin will be more than happy to show you.

  • Can I keep the fish I catch?

    Yes and no. We prefer to put fish back so they can fight another day and bring enjoyment to more people trying to catch them. However, if you would like to take a fish home for the BBQ or to cook up something special, you can. 

    There are exceptions though as the fish will need to be of a certain minimum size and some fish are protected species. If the fish is too small or is a protected species you will not be able to take them home. The skipper will be able to advise you should you catch something you want to keep.

  • Is that France?

    No. It’s the Isle of Wight. 

  • What if I start to feel a little queasy?

    The sea isn’t for everyone and everyone can get a little green from time to time. We do have an indoor cabin with some comfy seating if you need a little rest from the fishing, although our best prescription is fresh air, sipping cold water and a ginger biscuit. If someone in your party is really suffering, we may be able to head in early, although this is dependent on tide and the will of the rest of the people on your trip.

  • I’m new to fishing, will I be ok?

    Absolutely! We think more people should enjoy sea fishing and all elements of it. Kevin is a very experienced skipper and is more than happy to teach you the ropes. It’s not that complicated either, we’ll set your rod up for you, show you how to let it out and keep an eye on it and help you know when to strike and reel in that monster catch!

    If the fish aren’t biting, you still get to enjoy the peace and quiet and magnificent views the area has to offer. 

  • Can I bring food and drink on board?

    Yes, of course you can. We provide a nice warm sausage butty in the morning but other than that you will have to bring your own food. We will have coffee and tea available all day and some bottled water if needed. There is a kettle and hob and, if you ask nicely, there is also a small oven on board to warm up any food you may bring. You may bring alcohol on board but we please ask you to respect the skipper and others on the trip and not have too much. It is also a safety concern if you get a little too merry and so we may need to come in early. 

  • Can we smoke on board?

    You can smoke on the main deck, although please be aware of other people on the boat (we suggest you stand on the side downwind). There is strictly no smoking inside the cabin.

  • Can I take photos?

    Absolutely! We love seeing your photos and big smiling faces. Kevin will also take some photos throughout the day (with permission) to put on our Facebook page and if you’re particularly photogenic, you may even make it to the website. Feel free to tag us in any of your photos on Facebook too.

    We also have a couple of GoPros that may be in operation on your trip. One of them can be attached to a pole to go under the boat so if it’s a nice day, we can get some great footage of your catch on its way up. If we get some stellar footage we can make a little video and post it to Facebook and our Youtube page. We may ask you to be camera man, so if you feel comfortable, feel free to bring out your inner Spielberg (although we don’t require any Attenborough-esque commentary).

  • Do you have a toilet on board?

    Yes we do, although we’d prefer it to stay a number 1 toilet only to make the trip a pleasant experience for everyone. There are nice public toilets in the main Keyhaven car park you can use before we set off. The toilet on board does flush and there is running fresh water in the sink to wash your hands.

  • What other facilities do you have on board?

    We have an AM/FM radio and iPod player with speakers around the boat if you’re feeling in the mood for some music or sports commentary (although remember to be aware of other groups on the trip - not everyone is as into Dido as you are). There is a TV on board but it’s far too nice outside to be watching that. There is a small table inside so you can eat your lunch in comfort and out of the wind if you'd prefer.

  • What sort of bait do you use?

    Every angler has a secret ingredient we’re sure but we use a wide range of bait, from squid and mackerel fillets to shiny plastic lures and feathers. There are a wide range of options and the skipper will be able to guide you on the best bait for the type of fishing you are doing.*

    *Disclaimer - Any misbehaving children may be used as bait.

  • Where do we go fishing?

    Hopefully somewhere where there are fish! We have a wide range of spots that we go to that we know have plenty of fish there. Every skipper has their secret spots so we can’t be that specific, we don’t know who’s reading this...

    Depending on the party and experience of the anglers and what they are looking to catch, we either stay fairly close to the mainland and Isle of Wight or we can go out a bit deeper, out to the shipwrecks looking for the big fish. Talk to the skipper either when you’re booking or at the start of the day about what sort of trip you’re looking for.

  • What types of fish will I catch?

    We live in a great area for fishing with a wide range of species we can catch. It does depend on the time of year you are going out. In the summer, we would be looking to catch bream, bass, mackerel, tope (a type of shark) and big rays. In the winter we would be looking for big cod and conger eels. We have had some cracking catches over the years, check out our Facebook page for some of the best. These include a stingray, trigger fish, turbot and even a starfish!

  • Where can I park?

    There is a large public car park right next to the harbour with lots of spaces. The car park does get quite busy during the day (especially if the weather is nice) but if you get here nice and early you won’t have a problem parking. There are a few free spaces down the lane before the car park, however these spaces get filled up very quickly and can be a bit tricky to navigate in a large car. Keyhaven is a small village with tight roads so please be careful when driving in and park responsibly.